Kearsage Pass – Big Pothole Lake Viewpoint loop from Kearsarge Peak

Routes

Running trails & routes

United States

California

Inyo County

Kearsage Pass – Big Pothole Lake Viewpoint loop from Kearsarge Peak

Hard

3.4

(12)

runners

Kearsage Pass – Big Pothole Lake Viewpoint loop from Kearsarge Peak

02:17

15.2km

770m

Running

Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

John Muir Wilderness

Inyo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

27 m

Onion Valley Trailhead - Kearsage Pass Trail

Highlight • Trail

Only about 4.6 miles distance from the trailhead parking at Onion Valley Road, Kearsage Pass is a popular resupply detour for long distance hikers on the John-Muir or Pacific Crest …

Tip by

3.57 km

Gilbert Lake

Highlight • Lake

This beautiful lake is an exceptional place for all fishing enthusiasts. You will find almost all species of salmonids as well as trout.

Tip by

5.52 km

Heart Lake Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

From about 10'000 ft elevation the view down to hear lake shows how it earned its name.

Tip by

6.70 km

Sierra overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

Every turn of the switchbacks open up new sweeping views of the Sierra

Tip by

7.53 km

Kearsage Pass

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Only about 4.6 miles distance from the trailhead parking at Onion Valley Road, Kearsage Pass is a popular resupply detour for long distance hikers on the John-Muir or Pacific Crest …

Tip by

8.72 km

Big Pothole Lake Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

From about 11'000 ft elevation the last switchback before reaching the summit of Kearsage Pass trail, sweeping views of the valley stretches far across Big Pothole Lake

Tip by

12.6 km

Little Pothole Lake

Highlight • Lake

First of five alpine lakes lined up along the 4.6 miles of Kearsage Pass Trail starting from the Onion Valley

Tip by

14.0 km

John Muir Wilderness Boundary - Kearsarge Pass Trail

Highlight • Trail

Hiking Permit required for overnight hikes, but at only about 4.6 miles distance from the trailhead parking at Onion Valley Road, Kearsage Pass is a fantastic short day hike to …

Tip by

15.2 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

15.1 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

15.1 km

< 100 m

Elevation